Brother SE 1900 Service Manual

The Brother SE 1900 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine featuring a large color touchscreen LCD, 138 built-in sewing stitches, 11 buttonhole styles, 240 built-in embroidery designs, and a 5" x 7" embroidery area. It supports USB import for custom designs, has automatic needle threading, a drop-in bobbin system, and a wide variety of presser feet. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, and technical specifications.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Machine Overview & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Basic Operations 6. Embroidery Functions 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Error Codes & Troubleshooting 9. Software & Connectivity 10. Parts List & Diagrams 11. Technical Adjustments

Features at a Glance

Key components: Large color touchscreen LCD, Embroidery Unit, USB Port, Automatic Needle Threader, Bobbin Winding System, Free Arm, and a wide selection of presser feet.

Feature	Description
LCD Touchscreen	5.7" color LCD for easy stitch and design selection
Sewing Stitches	138 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
Embroidery Designs	240 built-in designs, 10 embroidery fonts, 5 frame shapes
Embroidery Area	5" x 7" (130mm x 180mm) maximum field
USB Port	For importing custom embroidery designs (PES, DST, etc.)
Automatic Needle Threader	Threads the needle with the push of a lever
Bobbin System	Quick-Set drop-in top bobbin with clear cover
Buttonhole Styles	11 one-step automatic buttonhole styles
Presser Feet	Includes embroidery, walking, zipper, buttonhole, and more
Speed Control Slider	Adjusts sewing and embroidery speed

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury and machine damage.

Electrical Safety: Plug directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords. Unplug when not in use or during maintenance.
Needle Safety: Always turn power off before changing the needle. Never sew with a bent or damaged needle.
Moving Parts: Keep fingers, hair, and loose clothing away from moving parts like the needle, hook, and handwheel.
Heat Warning: The embroidery unit and light bulb may become hot during extended use.
Lifting: The machine is heavy. Use proper lifting technique or get assistance.

WARNING! Disconnect the power plug from the outlet when performing any maintenance or troubleshooting to avoid electric shock.

Machine Overview & Setup

Unpack all components and place the machine on a stable, well-lit table.

Assembling the Embroidery Unit: Align the unit with the marks on the machine bed and push until it clicks into place.
Installing the Foot Controller: Plug the connector into the designated port on the right side of the machine.
Power Connection: Connect the power cord to the machine and then to a 120V AC outlet.
Winding & Installing the Bobbin: Use the bobbin winding system on top. Place the wound bobbin in the case with thread counterclockwise.
Threading the Upper Thread: Follow the numbered path on the machine. Use the automatic needle threader.
Turning On: Press the main power switch on the right side, then touch the screen to wake it up.

CAUTION! Ensure the presser foot is raised when threading the upper thread. Lower it before starting to sew.

Specifications

Type: Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine.
Stitches: 138 Built-in stitches.
Embroidery Designs: 240 Built-in designs, 10 fonts.
Embroidery Field: 5" x 7" (130mm x 180mm).
Maximum Sewing Speed: 850 stitches per minute.
Needle: HAx1 SP (system 130/705), size 75/11 to 100/16.
Bobbin: Brother SA156, plastic.
Presser Feet: 10 included, with automatic presser foot lift.
Display: 5.7" Full Color LCD Touchscreen.
Connectivity: USB port for design import.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 24" x 15.7" x 11.8".
Weight: Approx. 26.5 lbs (12 kg).

Basic Operations

Access all sewing functions via the touchscreen menus. Front Panel: Power Switch, Handwheel, Start/Stop Button, Needle Up/Down, Speed Control Slider.

Touchscreen Icons: Stitch Selection, Length/Width Adjustment, Mirroring, Auto-Lock, Thread Tension, Settings Menu.

Sewing Steps: 1. Select a stitch category (Utility, Decorative, etc.). 2. Touch your desired stitch icon. 3. Adjust stitch length/width if needed. 4. Place fabric under the presser foot, lower the foot. 5. Press the "Start/Stop" button or use the foot controller to begin.

Buttonholes: Select a buttonhole style. Place the button in the automatic buttonhole foot. The machine will measure and sew the buttonhole in one step.

Embroidery Functions

Attach the embroidery unit and hoop your fabric in the embroidery frame.

Selecting a Design: Press the "Embroidery" tab on the screen. Browse categories or alphabets.
Editing Designs: Use on-screen tools to rotate, mirror, combine designs, or change size (within limits).
Hooping Fabric: Secure fabric firmly in the embroidery frame without wrinkles. Attach frame to machine.
Threading for Embroidery: Use the embroidery thread path. Ensure bobbin is correctly installed.
Starting Embroidery: Press "Start" on screen. The machine will trim jump threads automatically if the function is enabled.
Color Changes: The machine will stop and prompt for the next color. Raise the presser foot lever to change thread.
Using USB Designs: Insert USB stick, select "USB" on screen, and navigate to your .PES file to load it.

WARNING! Always use the embroidery foot. Do not move the hoop during embroidery. Keep the area around the machine clear.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily Cleaning: Use the small brush provided to remove lint from the bobbin case area and feed dogs.
Bobbin Area Cleaning: Remove the needle plate (requires screwdriver). Clean out all lint and thread bits. Reinstall securely.
Oiling: Apply one drop of Brother sewing machine oil (SA1107) to the hook race once a month or after extensive use. Wipe away excess.
Exterior Cleaning: Unplug machine. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals or sprays.
Needle Replacement: Replace needle after every project or 8 hours of sewing. Insert with flat side to the back.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean the machine as it can force lint deeper into the mechanism.

Error Codes & Troubleshooting

Symptom / Error Code	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6	Motor or sensor error	Turn machine off and on. If error persists, contact service.
F1, F2, F3	Embroidery unit communication error	Turn off. Remove and reattach embroidery unit securely. Restart.
Thread breaks frequently	Incorrect threading, damaged needle, poor quality thread	Rethread completely. Replace needle. Use high-quality thread.
Bobbin thread bunches on bottom	Incorrect bobbin threading, wrong bobbin type	Re-wind and re-insert bobbin ensuring correct direction. Use only Brother SA156 bobbins.
Machine jams or needle hits something	Bent needle, incorrect foot, lint buildup	Stop immediately. Replace needle. Clean bobbin area. Ensure correct foot is attached.
Design is misaligned or skewed	Fabric not hooped tightly, hoop bumped during sewing	Re-hoop fabric drum-tight. Do not touch hoop during embroidery.
Touchscreen is unresponsive	Static electricity, software glitch	Turn machine completely off (at power switch) for 60 seconds, then restart.

Reset: To reset all settings to factory default, navigate to Settings > System > Initialize.

Software & Connectivity

The machine works with Brother's optional software (PE-DESIGN) for advanced design creation and editing. For basic USB import:

Format USB: Use a USB flash drive (max 32GB recommended) formatted to FAT32.
Design Files: Save embroidery files in supported formats (.PES is primary) to the root directory of the USB.
Importing: Insert USB into machine port. On screen, select "USB" and navigate to your file.
Firmware Updates: Check the Brother support website periodically. Updates are performed via USB.

Note: The machine does not connect to Wi-Fi or a computer directly. Transfer is via USB only.

Parts List & Diagrams

Key replaceable parts for the Brother SE 1900. Use genuine Brother parts for optimal performance.

Needles: HAx1 SP (Part # XA5539-021)
Bobbin Case: Part # XC4914-021
Bobbin (SA156): Part # SA156
Embroidery Foot: Part # XC3918-021
Standard Foot: Part # XA3508-021
Power Cord: Part # XE8445-001
Foot Controller: Part # XC7932-021
Touchscreen LCD Assembly: Part # (Contact Service)
Main PCB Assembly: Part # (Contact Service)

Service Note: Internal components like motors, sensors, and main boards should only be serviced by authorized Brother technicians.

Technical Adjustments

For Authorized Service Personnel Only. These adjustments require special tools and knowledge.

Thread Tension Adjustment: Default is set to "4". Adjust via software calibration mode for upper tension. Bobbin tension is adjusted via the screw on the bobbin case (turn clockwise to increase).
Needle Bar Height: Set so the eye of the needle is 1.0mm below the bottom of the presser foot when at its lowest point.
Hook Timing: The hook point should meet the needle eye 1.5mm above the needle's lowest position.
Embroidery Frame Alignment: Use the calibration function in the service menu to align the X and Y axes of the embroidery unit.
Sensor Checks: Use the built-in diagnostic mode to test thread sensor, foot sensor, and encoder sensor functionality.

WARNING! Incorrect adjustments can cause permanent damage to the machine. Refer to the full Service Manual for detailed procedures and specifications.

Brother Support: For technical service or to order genuine parts, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-888-6523.